I be up at the gym, just working on my fitness. He's my witness., ....wow, intelligent. Options

[HakunaMatata]

Okay, I have nothing against that song in particular, but that line irks me like no other line can.

My brother and I were debating about the importance of lyrics, and whether a really good beat or rythym can override terribly stupid lyrics. Personally, I can't stand songs with uber-dumb lyrics, no matter how catchy they are. There have been memorable exceptions (most embarrassingly, Fergie's songs), but as a general rule it's a big, big NO. Perfect example? "I'm in Luv With a Stripper" WTFOMG. I know people that love that song but hate the lyrics, but solely because of the lyrics, I can't stand it.

So, to you, can a catchy tune make you ignore lyrics? Can really good lyrics override a so-so song?

[*Duchess of Dork*]

It's a John Lennon VS Paul McCartney thing for me.
John wrote lyrics like this:

Working Class Hero - It's set to a very simple guitar melody. Nothing fancy at all.
As soon as your born they make you feel small
by giving you no time instead of it all
Till the pain is so big you feel nothing at all
Working Class Hero is something to be
Working Class Hero is something to be

They hurt you at home and they hit you at school
They hate you if you're clever and despise a fool
Till you're so f**king crazy you can't follow their rules
Working Class Hero is something to be
Working Class Hero is something to be

When they've tortured and scared you for 20 odd years
then they expect you to pick a career
When you can't really function you're so full of fear
Working Class Hero is something to be
Working Class Hero is something to be

Keep you doped with religon, sex and T.V.
and you think you're so clever and classless and free
but you're still f*cking peasents as far as I can see
Working Class Hero is something to be
Working Class Hero is something to be

There's room at the top I'm telling you still
but first you must learn how to smile as you kill
if you want to be like the folks on the hill
Working Class Hero is something to be

Yes , A Working Class Hero is something to be
If you want to be a hero well just follow me
If you want to be a hero well just follow me

Compared to Paul -

Silly Love Songs - Set to an up beat, some horns, back up vocals by Linda, etc
You'd Think That People Would Have Had Enought Of Silly Love Songs.
But I Look Around Me And I See It Isn't So.
Some People Wanna Fill The World With Silly Love Songs.
And What's Wrong With That?
I'd Like To Know, 'Cause Here I Go Again
I Love You, I Love You,
I Love You, I Love You.

I Can't Explain The Feeling's Plain To Me; Say Can't You See?
Ah, She Gave Me More, She Gave It All To Me
Now Can't You See, What's Wrong With That
I Need To Know, 'Cause Here I Go Again
I Love You, I Love You.

Love Doesn't Come In A Minute,
Sometimes It Doesn't Come At All
I Only Know That When I'm In It
It Isn't Silly, No, It Isn't Silly, Love Isn't Silly At All.

How Can I Tell You About My Loved One?
How Can I Tell You About My Loved One?

How Can I Tell You About My Loved One?
(I Loveyou)
How Can I Tell You About My Loved One?
(I Loveyou)

Now, obviously there is nothing wrong with Paul's song. It's cute and snappy and makes you do this little dance in your chair when you listen to it. It's got its place.

But John's. Wow. He has something real to say, something profound to say. Chances are people will listen to this less (and I'm positive people are less aware of this song than they are of Paul's). Why? Because it isn't as easy to listen to.

To answer the question - I really don't choose either or. I listen to both the deep and the shallow. Let's face it, sometimes bubblegum is softer to chew and the element of fun (sometimes escapism) is welcomed after a long hard day's work. However, if I truly want to get something of music, I'm going for the lyrics with a less catchy tune.

PS - This isn't at all inclusive of what either guys are/were capable of, just examples.